Harmony in Commerce: Tolerance Communication Practices in the Chinatown District of Kelenteng Street, Bandung
(Harmoni dalam Perdagangan: Praktik Komunikasi Toleransi di Kawasan Chinatown Jalan Kelenteng, Bandung)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20625/theosyn.v2i1.092Keywords:
Interreligious Communication, Kelenteng Bandung Street, Multicultural Interaction, ToleranceAbstract
This study examines tolerance-based communication practices between shop owners and customers in the multicultural environment of Jalan Kelenteng, Bandung, using a qualitative descriptive approach supported by Interreligious Communication and Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT). Interviews with five shop owners and three customers show that accommodative strategies, such as halal-oriented branding in Chinese-themed eateries, adjusting language for Mandarin- or English-speaking customers, and providing flexibility for Muslim workers during prayer times, help reduce interreligious tension and enhance comfort in everyday interactions. Instances of divergence occur mainly due to language barriers or initial cultural unfamiliarity, yet these are typically managed through clarification and supportive nonverbal cues. Overall, the findings highlight how practical, everyday communication adjustments foster mutual respect, inclusivity, and social harmony, positioning Jalan Kelenteng as an example of peaceful interreligious coexistence in an urban multicultural setting.
Abstrak
Penelitian ini mengkaji praktik komunikasi toleransi antara pemilik toko dan pelanggan di lingkungan multikultural Jalan Kelenteng, Bandung, dengan menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif yang didukung oleh teori Komunikasi Lintas Agama dan Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT). Wawancara dengan lima pemilik toko dan tiga pelanggan menunjukkan bahwa strategi akomodasi, seperti penggunaan branding halal pada kedai bernuansa Tionghoa, penyesuaian bahasa untuk pelanggan yang menggunakan Mandarin atau Inggris, serta pemberian fleksibilitas bagi pekerja Muslim saat menjalankan ibadah, berperan dalam mengurangi potensi ketegangan antaragama dan meningkatkan kenyamanan dalam interaksi sehari-hari. Bentuk divergensi muncul terutama karena kendala bahasa atau ketidakterbiasaan budaya pada awal pertemuan, namun umumnya dapat diatasi melalui klarifikasi dan isyarat nonverbal yang suportif. Secara keseluruhan, temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa penyesuaian komunikasi yang terjadi secara praktis dan sehari-hari mampu membangun saling menghargai, inklusivitas, serta harmoni sosial, sekaligus menjadikan Jalan Kelenteng sebagai contoh keberagaman agama yang hidup secara damai di kawasan urban multikultural.
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